Kansas QB Jalon Daniels Crowned Pop Warner Award Winner, A True Jayhawk Leader
CHARLOTTE, NC – frequently scrutinized realm of college football, the remarkable athletic display can often eclipse the significant contributions that numerous student-athletes make outside the confines of the field. However, occasionally, a player surfaces who exemplify outstanding qualities in all aspects of their existence, and this year, that individual is Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels who hails from Southern California. Daniels has been named the deserving winner of the 16th Annual Pop Warner Little Scholars College Football Award, an honor that celebrates character, academics, and community service alongside gridiron prowess.
Daniels’ victory is historic for the Kansas program, marking the first time a Jayhawk has ever claimed this prestigious award. He emerged from a field of five exceptional finalists, including notable names like Tanner Wall of BYU and Iowa’s Aaron Graves, solidifying his reputation as a true leader and role model.
“I’m truly blessed and honored to receive the Pop Warner College Football Award,” Daniels said. “I want to thank Pop Warner Little Scholars for this tremendous recognition. I strive every day to be the best version of myself and to make a meaningful impact on the communities that shaped me. Growing up in youth football, the lessons and experiences I gained helped grow my love for the game, and I hope to continue positively influencing players for generations to come.”
His words perfectly encapsulate the award’s spirit, tracing a clear line from his foundational years in youth football to his current status as a collegiate leader.
Steve Strawbridge, CEO of Pop Warner Little Scholars, praised Daniels for his consistency and dedication to the achievements of the community.
“Jalon represents everything this award stands for. He’s a gifted athlete, an accomplished student, and a compassionate leader in his community,” Strawbridge said. “Young athletes across the country can look to him as an example of how to pursue excellence with character, integrity, and commitment. We’re proud to honor him with this year’s award.“
Daniels‘ resume is undeniably impressive, a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence. He’s not just a four-time team captain for Kansas – a program first – but also made history as the Big 12 Football Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2024. His academic performance is just as stellar as his play-making abilities, boasting five Academic All-Big 12 selections and a 2022 CSC Academic All-American nod. To top it all off,
Daniels earned his degree in Sport Management in the spring of 2025, graduating with an impressive 3.58 GPA. This isn’t just a star athlete; it’s a dedicated scholar. Most compelling is Daniels’ profound commitment to giving back. He’s made a significant impact through his “Mom2JD6” Foundation, an initiative close to his heart that supports single mothers raising athletic children. The foundation provides crucial financial aid, mentorship, sports training, and vital community resources, directly addressing needs within the communities that helped shape him.
His leadership extended to the entire Kansas football program, contributing to a record-breaking 517 hours of community service during the summer of 2025.
In an era where the spotlight can often skew towards individual glory,
Jalon Daniels stands as a shining example of what it truly means to be a champion: not just on the field, but in the classroom, and, most importantly, in the lives of others. He’s proving that the lessons learned in football can indeed build character, integrity, and a lasting legacy that inspires far beyond Saturdays.
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